THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 20, 1995 TAG: 9512190269
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KERRY DEROCHI, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
Ursula Roberts moved like a machine, her arms pumping in rhythm as she grabbed the cans of corn, boxes of stuffing, and bags of soft white rolls.
She worked steadily in the makeshift assembly line, never losing a step and refusing to look up as she packed the food into cardboard boxes.
``I guess it just makes me feel good to know I'm doing something to help other people,'' said Roberts, a Navy E-3 who works at the Naval Base Branch Dental Clinic. ``A lot of my friends are in need. If I can help them out, why not?''
Roberts was one of about 50 volunteers who showed up last week at the chapel on Norfolk Naval Station, helping to distribute toys and food to military families in need.
The volunteers, who came from commands throughout the station, packed 107 food boxes and filled toy bags for 57 families as part of the base's holiday gift drive.
They worked in a second-floor classroom, circulating through tables covered with bottles of soda, cans of soup and rows of packaged cake mixes.
Across the hall, in the chapel kitchen, boxes of toys were piled on counter tops and along the floor. There were Barbie dolls and jewelry boxes, wooden cars and a clay factory. Each box carried a tag designating which child should receive it.
``The Navy is much closer than any other community in society,'' said Capt. Christopher Weaver, commander of Norfolk Naval Station. ``This is an exquisite example of how people should be looking out for each other.
``If there's a need, by golly, we're going to meet it.''
The food was either purchased through money donated by several church groups or collected in food drives.
The toys were provided by ``Little Shipmate'' angel trees set up at various commands at the naval station. ``We're going to do our best to make sure whoever knocks on our door gets taken care of,'' said Senior Chief Robin Holdren, who is overseeing the operation. ``We do not turn anybody away.''
The families scheduled to receive the food and gifts were selected after filling out request forms detailing their needs.
The food boxes and toy bags are matched to fit the particular families, ranging in rank from E-1 to E-6.
One family has seven children. Another is faced with the medical bills of a terminally ill child.
``It's very rewarding; there's nothing like seeing the smiles on people's faces,'' said Carol Hughes, a legalman first class. ``You can imagine these kids on Christmas Day. That's what makes it all worthwhile.''
The number of boxes distributed this year nearly doubles the amount from last year.
Holdren, who helped organize a similar drive for Thanksgiving, said she believes the increase is due to better communication and harder economic times that force sailors to swallow their pride.
``The need is greater,'' Holdren said. ``People realize it's OK to step forward and say, I'm really in need.
``We don't focus on rank. We focus on our families.''
She paused to look around the congestion of the room and smiled.
``We take care of our own,'' Holdren said. ``We take care of our shipmates.'' ILLUSTRATION: BILL TIERNAN/
Photo
The Virginian-Pilot
Chief Petty Officer Judith A. Shuck and Petty Officer 1st Class
Allen Gourley gather canned food recently at Norfolk Naval Base to
distribute to needy military families.
by CNB